Beach Businesses Reopen Months After Hurricanes Helene, Milton

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Several beach businesses — the Don CeSar hotel, Ricky T’s and Caddy’s Treasure Island — have reopened or are planning to reopen months after being hit by back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, in the fall.

Areas of the historic Don CeSar will reopen in March with overnight bookings available starting April 1, according to a news release.

The nearly century-old resort, which celebrated its 97th anniversary in January, will welcome guests back in a phased reopening.

Starting March 26 parts of the hotel, including the Maritana Restaurant, the Lobby Bar, the Spa at the Don CeSar, beachfront access, valet parking and more will be available to visitors.

In the third quarter of 2025, the hotel will unveil its newly designed ballroom, which will be available for bookings in early next year.

The remaining dining outlets, Society Table, Uncle Andy’s Market and The Rowe Bar, as well as the resort’s shopping boutiques will open by the summer.

“With nearly 100 years of history, The Don CeSar has long been a symbol of resilience, luxury, and hospitality on Florida’s Gulf Coast,” Barbara Readey, general manager, said. “Our team has worked tirelessly to restore and enhance this treasured landmark, ensuring that guests can continue to create unforgettable memories for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, Caddy’s Treasure Island, quelling various rumors, announced plans to restore and reopen its building in a Facebook post.

“We are not tearing down Caddy’s Treasure Island! Or selling it or whatever thing people are saying. The building is in bad shape, but we are going to fully restore it and (get) it back in working order,” the owners wrote in the post.

In the meantime, the restaurant is operating at a limited capacity with a tent and a food truck on the property starting Thursday.

“Most importantly, we are excited to continue making memories for all of you! We are happy and excited to be opening back up very soon,” the owners wrote.

And Ricky T’s in Treasure Island reopened at the end of February. The venue is open Friday through Sunday, serving drinks and offering live music.

Food trucks will also set up on site to serve guests.

Owner Brad Piche told WFLA that the property had to be gutted and the bars rebuilt, this time using solid concrete blocks and concrete bar tops.

“Now if this storm comes back — which hopefully it never will, but you never know — we can at least just replace equipment and just wash down the bars, and get back open in a much more timely manner,” Piche said.